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he Elephanta Caves (Marathi: घारापुरीची लेणी, Gharapurichya Lenee) are a network of sculpted caves located on Elephanta Island, or Gharapuri (literally "the city of caves") in Mumbai Harbour, 10 kilometres (6.2 mi) to the east of the city of Mumbai in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The island, located on an arm of the Arabian Sea, consists of two groups of caves—the first is a large group of five Hindu caves, the second, a smaller group of two Buddhistcaves. The Hindu caves contain rock cut stone sculptures, representing the Shaiva Hindu sect, dedicated to the god Shiva

The cave temples to Siva, on the island of Elephanta, in the Bombay harbour, contain some of the most magnificent sculptures in the Deccan. The dating of the caves seems to be controversial. They were probably finished some time between 450 and 750 AD. The complex is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Access from Mumbai is by boats leaving from the Gateway of India. There are three entrances to the main temple in the complex- from the north, east and west. The main gallery is divided by columns into equal rows and aisles. To the west, and outside this area, is a square sanctuary containing a monolithic Linga. The huge, high-relief works in the main cave, on both sides of the three entrances and on the south wall, are characteristic of the cult of Siva and considered to be among the most perfect expressions of Indian art of their time. The most well-known is the six metre high Trimurti, showing Siva in the three roles of creator, preserver and destroyer.

State Transport buses are available from Pune to Shikhrapur, which is located 18 km away from Morachi Chincholi.

Local taxis/tourist vehicles can be made available on enquiry at Mayur Baug.

Nearest Airport and Railway Station is Pune.

Route 1:

Take Pune-Ahemadnagar highway and travel to Shikrapur, for a distance of 30 kms.
Ask for Malthan phata.
Take left turn at Malthan phata and travel straight to Ganegaon for a distance of 8 kms.
You need to take another left turn from Ganegaon and travel straight to Morachi Chincholi - MAYUR BAUG. Distance is 9 kms.
Nearest Airport and Railway Station is Pune.

Route 2:

Take Pune-Ahemadnagar highway and travel to Shikrapur, for a distance of 30 kms.
After Shikrapur, travel further for 200 mts and take a left turn to Kanhur Mesai village.
Kanhur Mesai village 17 kms from the turn.
From Kanhur Mesai to Morachi Chincholi the distance is approx. 3 kms.
Total driving distance is approx. 30-35 kms.
Nearest Airport and Railway Station is Pune.

Route 3:

Take Pune-Nasik highway and travel to Rajgurunagar. Approx. distance is 40-45 kms.
After Rajgurunagar take a right turn to Pabal (Famous for Jain tempale) and travel Strainght to Morachi Chincholi - MAYUR BAUG. Approx distance is 25 kms.
Nearest Airport and Railway Station is Pune.

Pratapgarh fort
Observation positions at Pratapgarh Fort, Mahabaleshwar/India. Built in 1656 by Shivaji, elevation : 800m on an isolated hill with sheer drops all around. A battle was fought here between the Maratha forces of Shivaji and Afzal Khan commandin the forces of Sultan Adil Shah of Bijapur. Shivaji was outnumbered 25000 to 10000 but he defeated the Afzal Khan. Afzal Khan's body lies buried at the bottom of the hill and is marked by a monument built by Shivaji as a reminder/warning to his would be enemies that they too would suffer the same fate if they stood against him!